Parameters of radish phytomass (Raphanus sativus L.) determined by vermicompost and earthworms (Eisenia fetida)

Abstract In 2-year outdoor pots experiment, which was realised in the vegetation cage situated in the campus of Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, both the impact of different doses of vermicompost (Vc) (0%, 10%, 20%, 25% and 50%) and the number of earthworms (EW) (0, 10 and 20 individuals/pot) in the soil substrate were studied on the quantitative and qualitative parameters of radish yield. The achieved results show that along with the increasing quantity of Vc, the total chlorophyll content also increased proportionally. The content of vitamin C declined and the content of nitrates increased in both the aboveground and underground biomass. The weight of the roots and leaves of radish increased until the content of Vc in the substrate did not exceed 20%. Vermicompost abundance >20% led to the decline of root and leaf biomass formation. The root yield and leaf biomass were higher in the presence of 50% Vc content in the substrate, compared with the control. The EW had mostly a negative impact on radish phytomass formation, particularly both weight and root diameter. The highest percentage of roots weight decline cultivated in the treatment with EW were obtained with the least dose of Vc (10%), thereby the least quantity of fodder for the EW. The impact of EW on the total chlorophyll, vitamin C and nitrates contents in roots and leaves was non-significant. The number of EW did not influence the root diameter and content of vitamin C; however, it affected the root weight.